Blizzard-like conditions coming

A storm that a forecaster says is shaping up to be one of the strongest of the winter season is bearing down on the Midlands, with blizzardlike conditions possible later today and into Wednesday.

Daniel Nietfield, meteorologist for the National Weather Service on Monday afternoon offered this as his best advice:

"I wouldn't be caught outside after 6 p.m. Tuesday if you can avoid it," he said. "Wednesday looks like a really miserable day."

The storm is expected to bring about six to 10 inches of snow to the Omaha metro area, but it's the wind that has Neitfeld's attention. Wind chills overnight Tuesday could dip to 15 degrees below zero as northwest winds whip around from 20 to 40 mph.

"It's really a life-threatening situation for people who don't take precautions," he said of the overnight hours Tuesday night.

What's unusual about this storm is a deep area of low pressure, the kind usually not seen until the spring, is expected to create an intense draw on the atmosphere, sucking up moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and stimulating strong winds.

By the time the storm arrives in the Chicago area on Wednesday, Nietfeld said he wouldn't be surprised to see major closures of airports.

Emergency managers, city and schools officials and others have been following the storm, making plans.

The National Weather Service late Monday afternoon strengthened its advisories and issued a winter storm warning to take effect at 3 a.m. Tuesday and last until noon Wednesday. As night falls on Tuesday, winds are expected to pick up. so the weather service has issued a blizzard watch from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning.

In terms of the storm's timing, the morning commute on Tuesday should not be a serious problem, although a layer of fresh snowfall will probably greet people.

The heaviest snowfall is expected later Tuesday into Tuesday evening. Snowfall accumulations of six to 10 inches are possible by Tuesday night, with higher amounts across southern and southeast Nebraska.

Tuesday night, winds are expected to reach 20 to 40 mph and cause considerable blowing and drifting snow. Near blizzard conditions are possible in open areas.

The weather service said there is the potential for significant impact to travel.

The good new is that after this storm blows through, another round of heavy snow and wind isn't in the immediate forecast. The bad news is that the bitter cold is likely to linger.

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